Breastfeeding your baby while using a baby carrier can be comfortable and convenient. You can move around, and your hands remain free to do other things. It’s also discreet; most people won’t have any idea what you are doing. Start with Step 1 to learn how.

Steps

Method1

Breastfeeding Your Baby in a Ring Sling

1

Position your baby in the sling. Newborn babies usually breastfeed in a lying-down position, so ring slings are ideal. Start by positioning your baby correctly in the sling. His or her head should be on the opposite side of the rings – in other words, if the rings are on your left shoulder, the baby’s head should be on the right side of your chest, so that you can offer the right breast for feeding.

2

Make sure your baby is lying at the proper height. Your baby’s head should be at chest level – not too high and not too low – so that he or she can be fed easily. Adjust the rings until the fit is correct.

3

Release your breast. Lean forward to make some space between you and your baby. If you have a shirt with buttons, undo them until you can fit your breast through the hole; otherwise, you can simply lift your shirt above your breast. Remove your bra, or lift your breast over the bra cup.

Nursing bras can be tremendously helpful; they make it much easier to provide your baby access. However, normal bras will work; just lift your breast over the cup.

4

Place your baby on your breast. Bring your breast to your baby’s mouth, holding with one hand until your baby is suckling securely.

5

Support your baby’s head. If your baby is a newborn, you will need to hold his or her head with one hand for support. For older babies, who can hold their heads better, you can simply tuck the sling securely under the head.

6

Cover your breasts if desired. If you’re worried about privacy or discretion, arrange the cloth of the sling to cover your breast and your baby’s head. Most people will not even know what you are doing.

Method2

Breastfeeding Your Baby in a Structured Carrier

1

Position your baby in the carrier. If your baby likes to nurse in an upright position, a structured carrier may be the best choice for you. Pass your baby’s arms and legs through the openings and then, together with the stretcher, pull the carrier to your chest. Set the straps on your shoulders, and hold your baby with one hand while you fasten the carrier with the other.

2

Adjust the height. Loosen the straps until your baby is lowered to the desired height, with his or her head against your chest. Always hold onto your baby with one hand, and be sure to secure the carrier well after you adjust it.

3

Release your breast. If you have a shirt with buttons, undo them until you can fit your breast through the hole; otherwise, you can simply lift your shirt above your breast. Remove your bra, or lift your breast over the bra cup.

Nursing bras can be tremendously helpful; they make it much easier to provide your baby access. However, normal bras will work; just lift your breast over the cup.

4

Place your baby on your breast. Bring your breast to your baby’s mouth, holding with one hand until your baby is suckling securely.

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Tips

Look for a carrier that you can easily set up alone. Try different types, and choose one that you can position yourself; you don’t want to rely on someone else to help you if you will frequently be alone with your baby.

Choose a carrier that allows you to position your baby comfortably. For a lying position, wraps or ring slings are ideal; they are designed to support a baby’s entire body and are especially suitable for newborns. For an upright position, look for a structured carrier or mei tei; these have better support for a baby’s back and are more comfortable for older babies.

Don’t get discouraged if breastfeeding in a carrier feels awkward, uncomfortable, or difficult at first. Try it a few times before giving up; practice makes it much easier.